"THE TIMING IS RIGHT TO PART WAYS WITH TED THOMPSON" .....aka the untouchable

[pbmax]

Yeah, it's hard not to argue with this. The facts clearly support a steep drop-off in draft quality, although 2014-2016 are looking pretty good. I just don't see why anyone would consider TT one of the best with his recent body of work. I don't think there is reason to think he's one of the worst either. That said, if he's middle of the pack, that's easy to get, why not try someone else to shoot for the best? If that person fails, they'll very likely fall to middle of the pack so now a huge difference from where they are now.

Ishmael, see this is the kind of conclusion that puts your previous denials in doubt. You say the standard is 3 good starters. You have no idea of ANY other GMs have met that standard over 6 previous years. And are understandably reluctant to do even more research.

But you use the drop-off you see as an argument for replacing him.

This is the classic mistake of dumb teams, riding a narrative and making a change because it has to be made according to an arbitrary standard that constantly changes. Your replacement gets a lovely press conference where he proclaims he will be "aggressive but smart" and nothing really gets any better.

If anything, recovering in the last 3 drafts after 2 putrid ones earlier this decade is an argument that is still doing fine.